50th anniversary of the assassination of MLK jnr in Memphis: This year marks the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King junior, who was shot and killed on 4 April 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee, while supporting striking sanitation workers, writes April Ashley, Unison national executive council, black members rep (female) (personal capacity).

One of the most reactionary, bigoted and predatory administrations in modern history has taken office. The Trump presidency, from the vicious tweets to the bizarre press conferences to the reactionary cabinet picks and executive orders, has millions of people understandably feeling they are in an unfolding nightmare.

Lift the benefit cap, end austerity: By 2020 women will have shouldered 85% of the burden of changes to the tax and benefits system, claims a new report. This highlights the disproportionate effect of austerity.

The police killing spree in the United States has unleashed a mass movement. It has also uncovered anew the ties between the profit system and endemic racism. The struggle against racism must also be the struggle for a socialist society.

International outrage has resulted from the decision of over 20 town mayors in the south of France to ban from beaches the wearing of 'burkini' swimsuits, on the grounds of 'inciting terrorism' and 'threatening public safety'. Despite a court decree rejecting the ban as unconstitutional, the mayors say they will ignore the ruling. Judy Beishon reports on how the issue has become the focus of an ugly backlash to the recent terrorist attacks in France.